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The 8 Wardrobe Staples Stylish Execs Wear on Repeat

There's no doubt that the clothes and accessories we wear can imbue us with a certain sense of confidence. On a low-energy day, slipping on a well-cut blazer or sleek mules can be all it takes to feel prepared and when you're short on time, having a go-to "uniform" can be a saviour.

"How I dress is a reflection of what I need to conquer that day," says Michelle Kennedy, founder of Peanut, an app that connects mums with similar interests. "On days that I have difficult meetings... what I wear is my armour, and does a huge amount to abate my nerves."

Kennedy isn't the only one who turns to a few carefully chosen power items in her wardrobe for a jolt of confidence. Here, we asked women with both business and style acumen in tech, publishing, design, and art, to open their wardrobe. From a wrinkle-proof dress that can survive a redeye to Gucci sliders that are ideal for running to meetings, these are the items cool CEOs, founders, and execs wear on repeat.

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The 8 Wardrobe Staples Stylish Execs Wear on Repeat

Elizabeth Graves, Editor in Chief of Martha Stewart Living

"I love clothes and I love shopping, but the reality is I have much less time to ponder what to wear on a weekday morning—especially with my three-year-old in the mix who just wants me to play trucks. I usually go for simple, well-made things with special yet understated details. When I find something I like and test-wear it a bit, I often go back and stock up!"

"Season after season, I consistently love A.P.C.; it’s a major source for things I wear to work all the time—especially the shoes and leather goods. I own these sandals in an oxblood red, black, and I’m eyeing the navy ones with silver buckles (yes, I admit I have a problem). They are the dressier salt-water sandals of adulthood."

"Everyone looks great in a white shirt—man, woman, probably even dog. A good crisp white shirt (I have Gap, J Crew, Carolina Herrera, you name it) or pretty white silk top with some interesting details (Vince, Joie, Chloe always make good ones) makes anyone look instantly fresh and pulled together."

Michelle Kennedy, Founder of Peanut

"On days that I have difficult meetings I want to project the very best version of me, without losing my personality—I want to be pulled together and sharp but still playful. Sometimes, we're really head down in the product, and on those days, my uniform is a sweatshirt and jeans.

Nahema Mehta, CEO of Absolut Art

"Brunello Cucinelli pants are staples in my wardrobe—they are perfectly cut, super comfortable, and come in a range of beautiful fabrics from silks, to cashmere, to leathers. I wear them with a structured white shirt or a relaxed cashmere sweater and a nude heel or slip-on loafers."

"If I need to go straight from a red-eye flight to the boardroom, I’ll wear a dress from Maria Cornejo—I love how architectural they are while still being easy and wrinkle-proof. I’ll throw on a nude heel and I’m good to go."

Nell Diamond, Founder of Hill House Home

"I’m definitely a little extra when it comes to workwear, and my style is always just-a-little-overdressed. I like to think that I’m making up for my days in finance when my greatest style rebellion was pairing pastel nails with my ill-fitting suits!

"I’m also a slave to a routine, and having a 7-month old baby means my mornings are anything but relaxed. I can’t quite commit to a work uniform, but I do have a few foolproof staples that carry me through the mornings when I’m totally uninspired and/or covered in mashed up baby food."

"I definitely over-wear these! They clip on and are super light, and they instantly dress up even the most boring outfit. I love going totally maximalist with these and pairing them with lots of colour and pattern, but they work just as well with a great pair of jeans and a sweater."